Everyone has a creative side, but some have to dig a little deeper to find it. This is the year to release your inner Martha Stewart or Marcel Marceau by learning a new creative skill. Not decoupage or macramé, but a real craft class that is reasonably priced. Here are five of Seattle’s best places to take a walk on the creative side.

Learn the tricks of the trade by real mosaicists (yes, it’s a real word) at Seattle Mosaic Arts. Learn how to make simple, yet beautiful art for inside or outside your home at this one-stop-shop. In addition to classes, SMA carries everything you need, including hundreds of different colors and styles of glass tiles. SMA hosts traditional classes for adult and children in an environment that helps spur creativity. To get your feet wet with this craft, consider attending a theme night where you can complete a small project in one evening. This will allow you to get a good idea if creating mosaics is for you.

Price: $310 for 10 weeks
Hours: Various

(credit: Thinkstock)

Get ready to throw down (with some clay, that is). Barbara Dunshee shares her creative space with students for 10-week classes throughout the year. Class time are available during the day or evening in a small group setting, so you’ll have plenty of personal attention and possibly make a new friend or two. In addition to instruction, you’ll also receive 25 pounds of clay, glazes and firing. To get an idea of her own work, be sure to visit her website.

The Gage Academy of Art promises “classical training for contemporary artists” with workshops, lectures and classes in the fine arts. The academy welcomes any level of dedication to the craft with. The only thing you have to bring is the desire to learn something new. Your commitment level can be as short as a one-time “drop in” or as long as a full time student.

Stone Soup offers adult acting classes for all levels in an intimate setting. If you ever wanted to “act up” and not get in trouble for it, the basic skills class is for you. This painless class is perfect for teachers, lawyers, public speakers or anyone who would like to have more confidence when talking to others. And that is just the beginning of classes available. Other classes include scene study, audition help, directing, a Shakespeare intensive and a master class.

Prices: $4-$10 for most lessons/dances
Hours: Varies

(credit: Thinkstock)

Century Ballroom celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, so it brings with it a lot of experience offering a variety of dancing classes throughout the year. Learn East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Tap, Waltz, Foxtrot, West Coast Swing, Hip Hop, Kizomba, Argentine Tango, Bachata or Salsa. Take one class or a whole series and shed some pounds, too.

Jeffrey Totey is a freelance writer living in Seattle. He has a love for the arts and is a student of pop culture. He covers stories about the performing arts, theater, museums, cultural events, movies and more in the greater Seattle area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.